Quest [Closed, Flashback] What Lies Beneath

[Cascade]

Laviku looked at Kirvan for a split second as the young man offered him an apology. He was bowing so low that his forehead practically grazed the ground. His moves appeared to be painful, and the blood that dripped to the steps was a further indication of this. Kirvan’s loyalty was admirable, and the God had not missed how the young man had called his name in the depths of the Balnag’s prison. Out of all these careless men, the Svefra had been the lone one to call for his aid. However, the sea god said nothing to Kirvan. He did acknowledge the man’s words. Crypt had shock in his expression, but he did not speak. A smart move that would do him good. The hesitation in Wrenmae could not be missed. He fought to defend his actions, and he seemed ready to speed away. Laviku would have not of it. With a staunch expression, he listened to Wrenmae’s arguments. Behind him, K’mavia was furiously shaking her head at Wrenmae, gesturing for him not to challenge the father of the seas. “You call me wrong?” Laviku laughed. His laugh was loud and mocking. It was an amused and hearty laugh, one that hold a bit of ire behind it. When he finally stopped, he swiftly grabbed Wrenmae’s hand and clenched it strongly. He kept their hands between them as he spoke. He talked with such clarity and he kept his eyes looking directly at the boy. “You are young, and for that I’ll blame it on naivety. You have got so much to learn.” He paused for a while. He, Laviku, explaining his reasons to a man who dared to challenge his words? The very concept of it was as amusing as it was ridiculous. He had been around for centuries, and he knew what was good for his domain. His own people did not dare to ever provoke his ire. “That wretched creature was made as a weapon. It is a weapon. What now if fate permitted it to be controlled by the wrong people? What if that staff in your hands were clawed from your hands and were held by one who wished to wreck havoc on my domain? Your words hold good intentions, but you will soon learn that the world is not as simple as you believe it is,” as he spoke, black, smoky symbols suddenly started to emit on Wrenmae’s skin where the god was touching him. It grew into a swirling mass of dark waves. “I was to fix your carelessness, but now let us test your insolence instead. This punishment may only be reversed if that monster learns to live as one with the sea, or if you imprison it once again. And if it puts danger on my people… you will see me again, I swear that to you.” With that, he threw Wrenmae’s hand aside. He turned and faced the rest of the group. “Does anybody else share the same sentiments as he?” the god inquired, every word dripping with warning. K’mavia looked at them with frightened eyes, as if persuading them not to say a word more. One punished man was enough, it was not smart to provoke the sea god. OOCFinal posts then I will give a final post and grades, consequences, and loot. Please include XP and loot requests.

[Kirvan Deepseeker]

The silence that greeted Kirvan was empty and foreboding, only worsening the sickening feeling of dread within the svefra. As he was bowed, he had not seen the Sea Father's eyes flicker in his direction, and so as far as he knew Laviku had not acknowledged his presence in the slightest. Whether this was a sign of forgiveness or condemnation Kirvan was unsure, and so took it upon himself to remain in his nearly prone position, refusing to get up without the behest of the Sea Father either through spoken word or departure. A shock of pain washed through him, and he suppressed a disrespectful groan in the presence of the Sea Father. His body did not like him hopping about and throwing himself to the ground like a dandy marionette, and was insisting that he lay down and rest or at the very least stand upright that his ribs might heal properly. But no, Kirvan refused, not daring to move even an inch without something from the Sea Father that signaled that he would be permitted to. Even as the edges of his vision darkened, the svefra fought it back and focused on the step, the tiny but steadily growing pool of blood that had begun to form beneath him. Kirvan winced as Wrenmae argued against the fearsome god, hoping that he would return to being silent boy in the presence of Laviku. He once shared the same sentiment as the boy back in the caverns while they were exploring, and it did indeed make sense as all denizens of the sea were alive and to be respected, but Kirvan knew in his heart that at the moment the Balnag was not ready. It should have been obvious when the great serpent did not recognize him as one of Laviku's marked, did not respond to his plea. One day, maybe, the Balnag could become part of the Sea Father's domain, but it was not ready right now. It had so much to learn. And furthermore, the Sea Father did not recognize it as his child, which came before all else. The svefra did not see Wrenmae receive his curse from the god, but he felt it. Unbridled power emanating from Laviku began to emit something else even more fearsome, and Kirvan felt his own Oceanus calling out. But not in a good way. He also heard the Sea Father's arguments, his anger at being told what was right in his domain coming out in his words. Another thing that Kirvan had not thought of: the staff and who held it. Even if the Balnag learned to be one with the domain, it had a leash that could be yanked by whoever held it. Wrenmae was obviously quite capable and had huge potential, but what if someone who hated the sea were to wrest the staff from his grip before that potential was reached? Disaster. Chaos. And death. The question was meant to challenge each of them, and Kirvan did not wish to provoke his beloved god any further. He silently prayed that his friends remain silent, lest they incur an even greater curse on them all. K'mavia was out of sight, as was everyone else, and so he could not gauge what was about to happen, but- This time the groan was just barely suppressed, leaving his body in a sharp exhale as another wave of pain wracked his body. It was begging, nay, demanding that he let it heal, that he rest before it got even worse. However, something seemed strange: Kirvan had been injured on many occasions before, but even injuries this severe didn't hurt as bad. Almost as if something here was making it worse on his body, and in response his body was demanding greater rest. Convicted in getting Kirvan to agree, the svefra's body sent another wave of pain through him, and this time the fading edges of his vision could not be cleared. He reach out his hands to steady himself and leaned his head onto the step, as low as it could go. No, not yet, not until he heard what the Sea Father had to say to him. If he had anything to say. The svefra needed to know what Laviku demanded of him in exchange, what needed doing that the great god wished done. Whether he was forgiven or condemned, and whether he would keep his blessing or lose his favor altogether. But he was slipping, and he would not be able to receive words for much longer. "I... I beg..." Kirvan wheezed, still not daring to look up for fear of offending his Sea Father. "I beg... forgiveness... I repent..." he went on, and that was as far as he got before he collapsed on the stairs, still barely conscious but fading fast.

[Crypt]

Crypt winced as Wrenmae was marked by Laviku. Aye, it's every man for himself. Looks very painful. I wouldn't like to be marked myself. My apologies, Wrenmae, but I cannot antagonise further a being with power of such a magnitude. Maras cowered before the wrath of the Sea Father, moving behind Crypt in an attempt to hide as much of himself as possible. The Drykas simply stood there, staring at the duo wordlessly even as he analysed the situation furiously in his own mind. I can't run... This is an island, for gods' sake! From what Kirvan greeted him with - Sea Father - he can only be a God, the God of the Sea. I can't escape by sea. I guess that if he chooses to kill us... There's no way to avoid it. Hearing Kirvan groan rather loudly, Crypt moved to his side as fast as he could, forcing himself to disregard Laviku in favour of attending to Kirvan. Tearing strips of cloth from his cloak, Crypt tied them around what wounds he could, staunching them only temporarily. In his panic, he shouted at the priestess. “Damnit K'mavia! He's losing consciousness, do you have any medical supplies? We've spent enough time neglecting Kirvan, we can't afford to wait any longer!” OOCI'll Leave the loot up to you, though I'd like a trinket of some kind in memory of this... event in addition to the rewards. I'll send you the XP request by PM.

[Wrenmae]

Wrenmae only held his feet as long as Laviku held him there. When the sea god released the boy he was on his knees, clutching his arm where the dark inky pattern of waves wove their way up to his shoulder. There were no words, no admonishments, no critiques, and no complaints. There was only the crushing weight of disapproval on him by the god of all seas in Mizahar. In the presence of a god for the second time in his life and the bastard brands him.

He dared not look at Laviku again, afraid the sea god would see the venom in his eyes, the sudden curdling of hope dashed by the words of some arrogant power-bloated being. Instead he stared at the ground, soaked in the words of Laviku, and clutched the staff.

"You'll see," he murmured, "The Balnag needs time to adjust...he'll join the sea, you don't know what he's capable of."

Why? Why defend the monster? What stake did Wren have in the manufactured weapon? The reasoning was all blurry in his head, the whole experience seeming more of a dream than the actual passage of reality. Laviku? Speak to him? What had he done that was so awful?

As Kirvan was rushed away by the priestess, as Laviku faded, no one spoke to Wrenmae.

They left him where he knelt.

And quietly that optimistic gleam faded into a shadow of sharp despair, rage, and hopelessness.

If the Balnag could not be redeemed.

Then neither could he.

[Cascade]

Crypt’s words brought the priestess out of her state of shock. Up until then she had been watching Laviku walk away, her expression one of shame. Once she snapped out of it, she rushed forward and kneeled down by the Svefra. “I apologize, I lost my focus…” she said in a gentle voice. There was no more anger left in her face, only embarrassment. She looked up at the men and quickly said, “Quickly, let us get him inside. I will care for him.” As they went about moving the Svefra, she took a glance at Wrenmae and said in a soft voice that only he could hear, “My lord may be harsh at times, but he knows what he is doing. I really am thankful that you came to answer my call. It did not turn out perfectly… but if my lord did not see the good in it, even just a little, you would be dead by now. That is how I see it, anyway.” With that, she turned her back on Wrenmae and followed the rest inside the temple. Adventurer's Loot Crypt’s Loot : Skill XP Reward Running +3 Rhetoric +2 Singing +1 Auristics +3 Investigation +2 Acrobatics +1 Cartography +1 Flux +1 Observation +2 Lore: Kirvan: Svefra Of The Deepseekers Eridanus: A Man Without Rules Wrenmae: A Mage The Balnag's Aura Saving Kirvan's Life K'mavia's Call K'mavia: Priestess Of Vanti Island The Balnag, A Monstrous Weapon The Staff Which Controls The Balnag The Tunnels Beneath Vanti Island The Balnag's Escape K'mavia's Disappointment Meeting Laviku on Vanti Island The smouldering wrath of Laviku The Balnag: What big teeth you have! The sheer stupidity of throwing a weapon at the Balnag Vanti Island Items or Consequences: + 2 Books On Magic Written In Nader-Canoch. Hand-written notes scribbled in common can be found on the sides of the pages. The notes will teach him the most basic things. These books teach up to COMPETENT (or 50 xp) in Auristics and Glyphing. However, he will need to find a translator, for Crypt does not understand the ancient language. Kirvan’s Loot : Skill XP Reward Sailing +1 Rhetoric +2 Interrogation +2 Investigation +2 Running +3 Acrobatics +1 Observation +2 Lore: Crypt: The Poet Eridanus: A Man Without Rules Wrenmae: A Mage Attacked By The Balnag K'mavia's Call K'mavia: Priestess Of Vanti Island The Balnag, A Monstrous Weapon The Staff Which Controls The Balnag The Tunnels Beneath Vanti Island The Balnag's Escape K'mavia's Disappointment Meeting Laviku on Vanti Island The smouldering wrath of Laviku The Balnag: What big teeth you have! Vanti Island Items or Consequences: + 1 Book written in the common language. Includes maps and sketches of many locations of the Suvan Sea, including information about its creatures which are not deemed common knowledge (if it's a very vital piece of knowledge, please PM me first to see if it would be found in the book). + His injures will take about 30 days to fully heal. Up until then, he may stay on Vanti Island and be aided by K'mavia. Wrenmae’s Loot : Skill XP Reward Running +3 Rhetoric +2 Storytelling +2 Investigation +2 Auristics +1 Acrobatics +1 Leadership +1 Negotiation +2 Observation +1 Lore: Crypt: The Poet Kirvan: Svefra Of The Deepseekers Eridanus: A Man Without Rules The Balnag's Aura Giving Freedom To The Balnag Laviku's Punishment: Cursed K'mavia's Call K'mavia: Priestess Of Vanti Island The Balnag, A Monstrous Weapon The Staff Which Controls The Balnag The Tunnels Beneath Vanti Island The Balnag's Escape K'mavia's Disappointment Meeting Laviku on Vanti Island The smouldering wrath of Laviku The Balnag: What big teeth you have! Vanti Island Items or Consequences: + Magic Staff (MC2). Name unknown. Created to control the Balnag. If the Balnag is within range, it will listen to the staff's wielder. It is also a conduit for personal magic. Wrenmae will have to go through all the steps and learn how to use the staff through hard work and acquiring the right lores. Responding to emotional stimulus, the staff shifts into another type of weapon when its wielder is at risk (takes three seconds to shift). In Wrenmae's case, it shifts into a rapier. This too must be discovered in-game. + 1 Curse Mark (Oceanus) Eridanus’s Loot : Skill XP Reward Rhetoric +1 Investigation +1 Running +2 Acrobatics +1 Leadership +1 Lore: Crypt: The Poet Kirvan: Svefra Of The Deepseekers Wrenmae: A Mage K'mavia's Call K'mavia: Priestess Of Vanti Island The Balnag, A Monstrous Weapon The Staff Which Controls The Balnag The Tunnels Beneath Vanti Island The Balnag's Escape K'mavia's Disappointment Meeting Laviku on Vanti Island The smouldering wrath of Laviku The Balnag: What big teeth you have! Vanti Island Items or Consequences: + 1 Book On Magic Written In Nader-Canoch. This book can teach up to COMPETENT (or 50 xp) in a magical field of your choice. Wooo, we did it! Thank you for the thread, and I hope you guys had as much fun as I. Due to the length of the thread it’s possible that I may have missed some things in grading, so don’t hesitate to PM me if you have any concerns. Laviku’s words are an additional consequence for everyone. He WILL have his eyes on them now, and they will be answerable for anything negative that occurs from the Balnag’s release. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to PM me!